President Tinubu Particiates In Historic Eyo Festival In Lagos

Yomi Durojaye 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday attended the Grand Finale of the week-long 2025 Eyo Festival, in a white robe, a damask sash slung over his shoulder, and a distinctive hat emblazoned with bold, decorative stars. Like other revellers, the President also carried a long staff called an opambata.

The colourful event, held at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, began with paying homage and presenting the festival staff to the President at his Lagos residence on Sunday, December 21.

The Eyo Festival, which dates back to 1854, was held this year for the first time in eight years. The 2025 edition honoured four distinguished Lagos personalities, a departure from the usual practice of celebrating one or three individuals. The honourees are: the first military administrator of Lagos State, Mobolaji Johnson; the first civilian governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande; a former civilian governor, Sir Michael Otedola; and a former Iyaloja and mother of the current President, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji.

The carnival showcases the deep cultural history and heritage of Lagos, with various Yoruba families participating in regalia, dance, unity, and peace.

President Tinubu, in a message sent to the organisers, described the carnival as "a great rekindling of our culture".

 

"The Eyo Festival is a vibrant expression of the rich traditions of Lagos. It celebrates the achievements, outstanding contributions, and exemplary lives of distinguished Nigerians—not only eminent Lagosians.

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He added that all the honorees deserved the recognition. "They were leaders and builders whose visionary leadership, influence, and diligence in public service helped nurture Lagos State to both national and international prominence".

 

The President also noted the festival's timing, which coincides with Detty December, a period when Lagos welcomes thousands of Nigerians from the diaspora and foreign visitors.

 

"It is a reminder that our culture and traditions hold great tourism potential. Indeed, our cultural assets can serve as valuable resources for destination promotion. The glamour of white-robed figures parading our streets in celebration of distinguished Lagosians sends a resounding message about our identity and our country".

 

President Tinubu encouraged all revellers to celebrate peacefully and ensure the safety of all participants.

 

In his welcome address, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the event as not only historic for the President but also a homecoming.

 

"What we're celebrating here today is the first of its kind. As our son, our father, we are seated with the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to witness a history of the cultural heritage of Lagos.

 

"Mr President, it is not just a coincidence; it is history in your lifetime that is being put in place today.

 

"We honour you, give God the glory for your life, and we are indeed excited that God Almighty can bring you and most of your people to come and celebrate the best of the cultural heritage of Lagos," he said.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the traditional institutions under the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, for their exemplary leadership in reviving the festival.

 

"Today, we gather on this historic ground at the Tafawa Balewa Square, wrapped in the timeless majesty of the Eyo Festival, the sacred Adamu Orisha Play.

 

“After an eight-year interval, this revered tradition returns to Lagos in full splendour, standing as a powerful affirmation of our identity, our resilience, and unbroken connection to our history.

 

"The Eyo Festival is far more than a pageantry. It is a living archive of our Yoruba heritage and a symbol of unity, a symbol of purity and the communal strength of Lagos.”

 

The governor assured his audience that his administration will continue to advance the state's socio-economic trajectory without abandoning its cultural roots. He said his administration will maximise the festival's potential as it projects Lagos onto the global stage.

 

Dignitaries at the celebration included the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; members of the diplomatic corps; and senior officials of the federal and Lagos State governments, among others.

 

The event, featuring cultural performances, traditional dances, indigenous music and chants, and a procession of Eyo groups, concluded with special prayers for the President and the country.

 

Ooni To Confer Lagos Female Business Tycoon, Toyin Kolade, Iyalaje Oodua Title | AgegePulse Magazine

 

Right Ooni and Toyin Kolade

Palace of the Ooni of Ife(Ile Oodua) in Ile-Ife has announced the decision of the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, to confer the prestigious chieftaincy title; THE IYALAJE OODUA on the Global Coordinator of the Annual AJE Festival & Lagos based international business tycoon cum philanthropist, Princess(Dr) Oluwatoyin Kolade.

Toyin Kolade 

The announcement was expressed in a statement by Comrade Moses Olafare, Director of Media & Public Affairs, Ooni's Palace which he made available to journalists on Wednesday. 

Princess Kolade's profile as a benevolent and successful major player in the Nigeria private business sector who started as a petty trader in her home town of Ilesa in the State of Osun about 35 years ago, her involvement in the promotion of the rich Yoruba cultural values, her countless humanitarian services, her virtuous character of a disciplined family woman and her unfaulted respect for the royal institutions qualified her for the prestigious title of Iyalaje Oodua.

"Aside from her unquantifiable efforts in the promotion of cultural activities in Ile-Ife and Yorubaland, the colossal contributions of Princess Kolade towards the revival of the ancient Aje festival which has today gained tremendous global limelight cannot be overemphasized".

"Today, 'Aje' festival which is the celebration of the diety of commerce, markets, wealth and prosperity is as prominent as any festival one can be proud of in Africa because of Princess Toyin Kolade's superlative coordinating capacity driven by dedication and patriotism as a proud descendant of Oduduwa." Olafare said. 

In fulfillment of his cultural/tourism revolution agenda for Yoruba people and the lager Oodua race worldwide, Ooni Ogunwusi who is regarded as the Traditional Head of the Oduduwa Race worldwide in 2017 appointed Princess Toyin Kolade as his Cultural Ambassador in charge of AJE festival, with the responsibility to attract global acceptance for the annual celebrations of AJE deity, one out of the 401 deities who had populated the first dynasty of mankind known as IFE OODAYE thousands of years ago.  

Advancing the cause of Aje festival as assigned, Toyin Kolade has so far successfully coordinated 5 editions of the annual celebrations in Ile-Ife hugely participated by local and foreigners. She also in September 2019 led a team to launch Aje festival in Brazil hosted by the City Parliament in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil where received awards of excellence for herself and for the Ooni from the Government of Rio De Janeiro. 

According to Olafare, a date in the month of July shall be announced soon by the palace for the traditional rites and other activities for the installation ceremony at the ancient city of Ile-Ife believed to be the source and natural headquarters of the Oduduwa race globally.

Ooni of Ife Sets To Honour Baale Amuwo Odofin | AgegePulse Magazine

 

His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ọ̀ọni Adeyẹ́yẹ̀ Ẹnitan Bàbátunde Ògúnwusi Ọjàjà II, Ooni of Ife, this weekend will be honouring the Baale of Amuwo Odofin, Aare, Itesiwaju Omo Oduduwa, High Chief Hakeem Rabiu at the a week long "Ileya Omo Oodua Festival".

On the 5th and 6th December, Baale Amuwo will be honour alongside prominent Traditional Rulers in the country which will be held at the Ooni Palace in Ile-Ife.

Citation of Baale of Amuwo Adofin, Lagos.

High Chief Hakeem Rabiu Abayomi is an highly placed man of integrity with humble character. A public-spirited, philanthropist, epitome of dynamic leadership and excellent personified. 

He was born into the family of Rabiu of Amuwo Odofin Lagos state (Awori Compound). He is an executive member of the Amuwo Odofin Indigenous Youth. Member of Unison Social Club of Nigeria. Member of Lagos State & Fashion Designers Association. 

He has bagged many recognition for excellence award such as; Achievers & Role model Award 2013. Special Merit Award by Maa-Sha Allah Arabic & Islamic; also recognized for Award of Excellence by Dairat Jafariyat Fitorikat Tijaniyat. Cultural Ambassador award by Omo Yoruba Atata in Ghana 2013. Evergreen Award by TOC COMMUNICATIONS 2018. Life time Father of Culture by Alagbawii Yoruba Magasinni Fans Club, 2016 to mention few.

He is a founder of ITESIWAJU OMO ODUDUWA Progressive Forum, a pan Yoruba group to promote the culture and heritage of Yoruba nation. 

He is also the founder of ITESIWAJU Cooperative Trade and Credit Society, a body that gives out loans and empower with NO interest. 

He is currently the Baale of Amuwo Odofin Kingdom in Lagos.

Aare Gani Adams Commends Ooni, Alaafin, Others Over Operation Amotekun

...Pays Homage To Ooni Ogunwusi As Oduduwa Festival Sets To Hold In Ile-Ife

AgegePulse Magazine

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Adam on Thursday paid homage to the Arole Oodua & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, as he led other descendants of Oduduwa in the celebration of the annual Oduduwa Festival.

In his words, Aare Adam described the Ooni as the only monarch with the seal of Oduduwa, expressing that he holds the foremost African traditional ruler in a very high esteem as his father.

"As the Arole Oduduwa, all descendants of Oduduwa must bow in respect for the highly respected throne because he is the father of all. I respect him so much because he is my father and I will continue to do so." Gani Adam explained.

While acknowledging the Ooni for his relentless efforts towards uniting the descendants of Oduduwa, Aare Adam expressed his joy over what he described an improved level of unity in Yorubaland which he said was fully displayed in the formation of the South-West Security Network, also known as Operation Amotekun recently.

"Let me commend Kabiesi, the Oonirisa, the Alaafin of Oyo and other prominent Obas, leaders of socio cultural organizations, civil society groups and individuals for supporting the crusade for Operation Amotekun.

"The events that played out during the crusade for Operation Amotekun clearly indicated  that the Oduduwa blood truly flow in our veins.

"When the issue of Amotekun came up, I made my position known to the world, without minding whose ox is gored. I said it clearly, that whoever that is against the initiative was an enemy of our race.

"It shows that in unity, everything is possible. So I am using this opportunity to appeal to all the state legislatures to do the needful by legislating the initiative giving it the necessary legal backing. When this is done, we can be sure of winning the war for a better future." Gani Adam noted.

While addressing the cheering crowd, Ooni Ogunwusi who is the natural head of the entire House of Oduduwa worldwide described the descendants of Oduduwa a section of which is called Yoruba as uniquely different people created by the Most High God.

"Take a close look at our people, their conducts and lifestyle anywhere in the world, you will agree with me that we are uniquely different. No matter where we find ourselves, we are pace setters and that is the value we must continue to uphold.

"What we need to add to our uniqueness is love, let us love ourselves and others in order to record more wins. I am confident that if we live in love and unity, we will soar above whatever challenges that may confront us.

"I hail the courage of Aare Ganiyu Adam for his commitment especially in terms of resources to ensure the consistent celebration of Oduduwa festival annually. May God continue to bless him and other members of the Oodua People's Congress, Oodua Progressive Union, as well as all descendants of Oduduwa across the world." The Ooni noted.

LASG enlists Asa festival into annual cultural calendar

...making the state a hub of historical attraction.

AgegePulse Magazine

In continuation of its unwavering effort to promote the culture and tradition of the people in the State, the Lagos State Government has enlisted the Asa Cultural Festival as one of the major annual festival celebrated in the State.

The festival which coincides with the unveiling of Asa Statue tagged, ‘Celebrating Ikorodu Division’s Heritage’ at Ikorodu captured the essence and origin of the local people and the need to teach generations unborn the relevance of our culture.

The Asa Arokolo (a man on a delicate stick) is one of the aged long celebrated Deities/ Festivals in Ikorodu and its environ invoking memories of the origin of the people of the town and the impact made by their ancestors during their lifetime.

Presenting the certificate of endorsement to the organizers of the festival, the representative of the Governor on Arts and Culture, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola congratulated the people for propagating the Yoruba tradition and making the state a hub of historical attraction.

Adebimpe, who is the Special Adviser to Governor on Arts and Culture, disclosed that Asa plays an important role in the affairs of man and the community, explaining that apart from being the deity of fertility and happiness, it serves as entertainment and spiritual purpose which are beneficial to the people.

He further said that Asa serves as the fulcrum of social mobilization of the youth and society as a whole.

The Acting Commissioner assured the people that the Governor is interested in the development of arts and culture in the State, as he is determined to support events that promote unity and peaceful co-existence of all residents in the state.

According to her, Governor Ambode is pleased to have many cultural festivals because he believes that these would promote the indigenous culture of the people as well as attract both the local and foreign tourists in order to propel the state’s drive for economic prosperity.

She enthused that in line with the policy of the present administration, Asa and other cultural display at the festival will be listed for the State’s Cultural Road Map for 2018.

The Asa carnival was organized by Hon. Sanai Agunbiade, the Majority Leader of the Lagos State House of Assembly and prominent indigenes in Ikorodu as part of the efforts to revive Ikorodu culture and tradition.